Eight Dates and Nights

Gr 7 Up–Teens Hannah and Noah fall for each other while exploring Jewish holiday traditions. Hannah’s holiday visit to her grandmother is unexpectedly extended as a freak snowstorm hits rural Texas. She is prevented from flying back to New York City for an urban Hanukkah celebration with her family. Noah, a Texas native, is spending his holiday happily working at the family deli, where he typically runs the counter and occasionally dresses as a kosher deli treat. Hannah’s and Noah’s lives collide with a hilariously unique meet-cute. The wholesome friendship blossoms quickly into romance as the duo bond over deli pickles amongst a sprinkle of holiday kisses. Noah is excited to share his family holiday traditions with Hannah as their blooming romance embraces cultural Hanukkah traditions for eight days and nights. In these chapters, an endearing exploration of Jewish holiday traditions occurs. Although predictable, the ending is as charming and wholesome as the entire read. Cheesy and cute, this high school romance will appeal to middle and high schoolers.